Apparatus for providing a continuous swinging motion

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an automatic continuous swinging motion device that attaches easily to any existing swing, rocking chair, or hammock providing an operator variable control over speed and displacement, while also providing a rigid connection that eliminates overswing. To enable such a configuration, the automatic continuous swinging motion device of the present invention comprises a driving unit, an actuating unit, and a power unit. The driving unit provides the pushing pulling force for enabling the appropriate swing for the article that is attached to the present invention. The actuating unit is an adjustable rotating arm initiates and terminates the swinging process as desired by the operator. The power unit supplies power to the assembly, and the control unit provides variable adjustment means for the swinging speed of the adjustable rotating arm. The device is attached to an apparatus via a rigid pole that prevents overswing. Swing speed can be controlled by either adjusting the rotating arm length or turning the speed control knob of the control unit. Swing displacement is controlled by adjusting the rotating arm length.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to automatic swinging device.More specifically the present invention relates to a portable,battery-operated device for providing a continuous swinging motion in ahammock, recliner, or rocking chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The relaxation generated from swinging on a porch swing, rocking chair,or hammock is enjoyed by numerous people every day. Some people mayprefer a slow, gentle motion with little displacement of the chair whileothers prefer a much faster motion with a much greater displacement,while still others may prefer a different combination of displacementand swing.

Most swings, rocking chairs, or hammocks are put into motion by eitherthe occupants or an outside force, often, another person. When a swing,rocking chair, or hammock is put into motion by its occupant, theoccupant must bend and extend the knees to force displacement of thebody's center of gravity in time with the pendular cycle of the swing,rocking chair, or hammock. The very young, the elderly, and thephysically handicapped are often incapable of this movement.

Several U.S. Patents have been granted on automatic swinging devices,but all have shortcomings with respect to speed control, displacementcontrol, and overswing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,244 issued to Lawson, et al.on Mar. 26, 2002 teaches an automatic swinging device that is designedand configured to be coupled to any desired apparatus that can be sat onand in which the user wishes to be swung automatically, if desired. TheLawson apparatus an be attached to any device so as to provide for afinal product that provides an automatic swinging motion and may includean attachment element that claims to eliminate wobbling during the swingmotion, a feature generally associated with conventional swings. TheLawson devices, while addressing the wobble issue, fails to provide asolid connection means or any means for dealing with an overswingcondition.

Another device known in the prior art is commonly know as the “AtticGhost”, which is a hardwired device that must be professionallyinstalled into the ceiling of a porch. The “Attic Ghost” is a fixeddevice that has a limited application, to that of a porch swing, but isinferior in that the device is not portable and requires overheadmounting to be effective.

Thus, there is a need for a unique and useful automatic continuousswinging motion device that can be attached or retrofitted to existingfurniture, such as benches, chairs, hammocks or the like, that aredesired to be swung. This automatic continuous swinging motion deviceshould be simple in design and structure so as to efficiently enableswinging to commence when desired and to control the speed anddisplacement while also offering an occupant the desire to adjust bothindependently. The automatic continuous swinging motion device should bedesigned so as to accommodate any size of furniture, regardless of size.The swinging motion should be such that the passenger can maintain thenatural rhythm of the swinging motion without the feel of any forcedmotion or any effort.

As discussed, none of these previous efforts provide the benefitsintended with the present invention or method, by providing forautomatic continuous swinging motion device that can be attached to anyitem that is desired to be swung.

The present invention provides a product that is directly marketable tothe consumer. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the presentinventive combination of component elements as disclosed and claimedherein.

As discussed, the present invention achieves its intended purposes,objectives and advantages by accomplishing the needs as identifiedabove, through a new, useful and unobvious combination of componentelements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimumnumber of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture,assemble, test and by employing readily available material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an automatic continuous swinging motion devicethat attaches easily to any existing swing, rocking chair, or hammockproviding an operator variable control over speed and displacement,while also providing a rigid connection that eliminates overswing. Toenable such a configuration, the automatic continuous swinging motiondevice of the present invention comprises a driving unit, an actuatingunit, and a power unit. The driving unit provides the pushing pullingforce for enabling the appropriate swing for the article that isattached to the present invention. The actuating unit is an adjustablerotating arm initiates and terminates the swinging process as desired bythe operator. The power unit supplies power to the assembly, and thecontrol unit provides variable adjustment means for the swinging speedof the adjustable rotating arm. The device is attached to the desiredapparatus via a rigid pole that prevents overswing. Swing speed can becontrolled by either adjusting the rotating arm length or turning thespeed control knob of the control unit. Swing displacement is controlledby adjusting the rotating arm length.

In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the priordevices, it is an object of the present invention to teach an automaticcontinuous swinging motion device that is portable and provides variableadjustment for swing speed and displacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate the present invention and, togetherwith the description, further serve to explain the principles of theinvention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to makeand use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the swinging apparatus of the presentinvention as it may be applied to a hammock illustrating a preferredembodiment of attachment means used;

FIG. 2 illustrates internal components of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior control components of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rotating arm assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the attachment rod and attachment meansof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplaryembodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a parthereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplaryembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized andlogical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. The followingdetailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appendedclaims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it isunderstood that the invention may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques knownto one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail inorder not to obscure the invention.

Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various majorelements constituting the apparatus of the present invention. Nowreferring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the major internal components of theautomatic continuous swinging motion device are illustrated. Theautomatic continuous swinging motion device consists of and rectangularcase 1 made from weather resistant material such as azek that be canpainted or designed to meet customer requirements, which encloses apower unit 2 consisting of a 12-volt rechargeable battery, whichsupplies power to an electric motor 3 controlled by an on/off switch 4.

The electric motor 3 is comprised of a fixed rate pulley 5 and variablespeed control module 7. The electric motor 3 and fixed rate pulley 5 areboth supported by a moveable shaft 6 that is connected to a variablespeed control module 7. The fixed rate pulley 5 is connected to avariable rate pulley 8 via a belt 9. The variable rate pulley 8 ispermanently affixed to an axle 10 that is mounted on a first interiorside 11 of the rectangular case 1 and rotates on a bearing 12. The axle10 protrudes through a second internal side 13 of the rectangular case1, where it rests on a second bearing 15 and extends outside of therectangular case 1 and is permanently affixed to the adjustable rotatingarm 14.

When in use, the power unit 2 provides power to the electric motor 3,which in turn rotates the fixed rate pulley 5, and variable rate pulley8 and axle 10 via the belt 9. Speed adjustment is accomplished byrotating the variable pitch knob 16, which, when rotated, acts to raiseor lower the electric motor 3 and fixed rate pulley 5 with respect tothe variable speed pulley 8. When the fixed rate pulley 5 and electricmotor 3 are raised the tension on the belt 9 around the variable ratepulley 8 is increased and the belt is forced into deeper into thevariable rate pulley 8, thus reducing the rotation ratio of the fixedrate pulley 5 and the variable rate pulley 8, resulting in an increasedrotational speed of the variable rate pulley 8, axle, 10, and adjustablerotating arm 14.

Conversely, rotating the rotating the variable pitch knob 16 to lowerthe fixed rate pulley 5 and electric motor 3, the tension on the belt 9around the variable rate pulley 8 is decreased and the belt relaxes intoshallower position within the variable rate pulley 8, thus increasingthe rotational ratio of the fixed rate pulley 5 and the variable ratepulley 8, resulting in a decreased rotational speed of the variable ratepulley 8, axle, 10, and adjustable rotating arm 14.

Now referring to FIG. 4, the adjustable rotating arm 14 of the presentinvention is illustrated in more detail. The axle 10 is permanentlyaffixed to the adjustable rotating arm 14, which is comprised of a fixedaxle end portion 17 and a slotted arm 18. The slotted arm 18 isconnected to the fixed axle end portion 17 by two adjusting bolts 19 &20. By loosening the adjusting 19 & 20 bolts, the slotted arm 18 may bemoved to increase its stroke and the corresponding displacement of anyattached apparatus 24, or to increase or decrease the swing speed.

This feature is unique in that it provides the operator the ability toadjust the displacement or stroke of the adjustable rotating arm 14 asspecifically necessary for various apparatus 24 such as a chair orhammock. A much longer swing or stoke would be desired for that of ahammock when compared to the shorter swing necessary to provide thedesired motion of a rocking chair.

The outer end portion 21 of the slotted arm 18 is further comprised ofattachment means 22 for securing a fixed rigid pole 23 for connectingthe device of the present invention 24 to an apparatus 24 via a fixedrigid pole 23, which eliminates overswing.

Now referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the fixed rigid pole 23is illustrated. The fixed rigid pole 23 may be of any length, and may beof adjustable length. Additionally, the thickness of the fixed rigidpole 23 may also be adjusted based on the weight of an apparatus 24, andit would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to determine thedesired length and/or thickness of the fixed rigid pole 23. On a firstend 26, the fixed rigid pole 23 is comprised of rod end 25, whichprovides an attachment means to the slotted arm 18 and eliminatesbinding and excessive friction and wear. The rod end 25 is secured tothe slotted arm 18 by the use of a cotter pin and provides easyremovability, adding to the portability of the device 24 of the presentinvention.

On a second end 27 of the fixed rigid pole 23, a common clamp 28 is usedto secure the device 24 of the present invention to an apparatus 24,such as a hammock. It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in theart to provide various clamping or apparatus-securing mean of varioussizes, widths and depths to properly secure the fixed rigid pole 23 toan apparatus 24. Thus, a clamp 28 is illustrated as one possibleembodiment of the present invention for attachment to a cloth hammock,but others are readily apparent for swings and chairs and the discussionof such is not necessary.

It is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for theparts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape,form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemedreadily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, andall equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings anddescribed in the above description are intended to be encompassed by thepresent invention.

Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method andadjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of theinvention should be determined by the appended claims and their legalequivalents, rather than by the examples given.

1. An automatic continuous swinging motion device comprising: a case; apower unit with on/off switch; an electric motor; said electric motorattached to a fixed rate pulley; said electric motor and attached fixedrate pulley supported by a moveable shaft said moveable shaft connectedto a variable speed control module; a variable rate pulley permanentlyaffixed to an axle that is mounted: on a first interior side of saidcase and rotates on a bearing, and wherein said axle protrudes through asecond internal side of the case 1 where said axle rests on a secondbearing and said axle extends outside through the wall of said case andis permanently affixed to a adjustable rotating arm; and said fixed ratepulley is connected to said variable rate pulley via a belt.
 2. Theautomatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1 wherein the powerunit consists of a 12-volt rechargeable battery.
 3. The automaticcontinuous swinging motion device of claim 1 wherein when said variablespeed control module is controlled by a rotating knob: rotating saidknob in a clockwise, direction acts to raise the electric motor andfixed rate pulley with respect to the variable speed pulley; therebyincreasing the tension on the belt around the variable rate pulley thusforcing the belt deeper into the variable rate pulley, creating areduction of the rotational ratio of the fixed rate pulley and thevariable rate pulley, resulting in an increased rotational speed of thevariable rate pulley, axle, and adjustable rotating arm.
 4. Theautomatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1 wherein when saidvariable speed control module is controlled by a rotating knob: rotatingsaid knob a counter-clockwise, direction acts to lower the electricmotor and fixed rate pulley with respect to the variable speed pulley;thereby decreasing the tension on the belt around the variable ratepulley allowing the belt to recede in the variable rate pulley, creatinga increase in the rotational ratio of the fixed rate pulley and thevariable rate pulley, resulting in a decreased rotational speed of thevariable rate pulley, axle, and adjustable rotating arm.
 5. Theautomatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1 wherein saidadjustable rotating arm is permanently affixed to the axle, which isfurther comprised of: a fixed axle end portion; and a slotted arm; saidslotted arm is connected to the fixed axle end portion by two adjustingbolts; by loosening the adjusting bolts, the slotted arm may be moved toincrease or decrease the stroke of the rotating arm and thecorresponding displacement of any attached apparatus or to increase ordecrease the swing speed.
 6. The automatic continuous swinging motiondevice of claim 5 wherein the outer end portion of the slotted arm isfurther comprised of attachment means for securing a fixed rigid polefor connecting the device of the present invention to an apparatus viathe fixed rigid pole.
 7. The automatic continuous swinging motion deviceof claim 5 wherein; on a first end, the fixed rigid pole is comprised ofrod end, which provides an attachment means to the slotted arm; said rodend is secured to the slotted arm by the use of a cotter pin; on asecond opposite end, the fixed rigid pole further comprises a clamp usedto secure the device to an apparatus.